Illustrator // Pattern Designer // Sewing Enthusiast

Illustrator Basics: The Shape Builder Tool

May 5, 2017

Whew! I guess you could say I enjoy teaching on Skillshare 😌 I think that it’s just really easy for me to remember being a beginner. I’ve always been solid with computers, but before I got into graphic design I just assumed Photoshop, Illustrator, video editing, web coding, etc would be out of my league. That feeling of “holy crap! If I can do this then literally tons of other people can do this” is what fuels wanting to continue to teach. And here we are at my third class!

In a nutshell, the Shape Builder tool takes the functionality of a lot of the traditional path finder commands and condenses it into one tool. Gone are the days of making multiple copies of shapes just to get the result you want. With the shape builder tool you’re able to combine, extract, and trim shapes all in one fell swoop.

Want to learn more about the Shape Builder tool? Check out my course! In 22 minutes your Illustrator workflow will become that much more enjoyable. Need a little more convincing? The class project is to create your own monster like mine below 🙂 I even supply step-by-step instructions on how to make each of mine, in case you’re not sure where to start.

Ernie, Phil, Ned, Frank and I will see you in class!

Love, Dylan

P.S. The next installment of the Illustrator Basics series will be out next week!

I’m Dylan

And this is a living collection of the best things: illustrated wrapping paper, hand-designed greeting cards, sewing machine stitches, and probably pictures of flowers and pizza. I hope you get inspired to take on a project, even if it's just going through your pens and throwing out the crap ones. Either way, welcome.